Marketing Meat in Kentucky
Below is a list of resources that are useful for farmers producing value-added meat products in Kentucky.
For a complete list of meat processors and contact information, click on the image.
Education Resources for Kentucky Farmers
KCARD – Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development is a non-profit organization that provides technical assistance and free business planning services to farmers and agricultural businesses in Kentucky.
Blog Post: Q&A With KCARD: Having Your Meat Processed for the First Time
Blog Post: Pricing Meat to Make a Profit
University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service has an office in every county to provide agricultural outreach and education to Kentucky communities. Each office has an Agriculture Agent who is there to assist farmers. As a farmer, it is a good idea to get to know your local Extension agents.
Funding Resources for Kentucky Farmers
KCARD’s Ag Grant Facilitation Program is designed to help Kentucky farmers and agribusinesses find and apply for funding. To receive KCARD’s Grant Funding and Newsletters emails, please sign up by emailing kcard@kcard.info. The emails are a great way to learn about grant funding opportunities, happenings and opportunities in Kentucky agriculture as they become available.
KY Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers financial assistance to new and beginning farmers. There are several FSA Farm Loan programs available to qualifying new farmers that are looking to buy and operate a farm. The Microloan Program that can be used for startup costs, farming expenses, and for the purchase of essential tools.
Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corporation provides loan opportunities for agricultural businesses, beginning farmers, and other agricultural related projects.
Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) offers several programs to assist agricultural businesses including the Kentucky Proud Promotional Grant, and the Buy Local program. To qualify you must register to be a member of Kentucky Proud.
County Agriculture Investment Program (CAIP) funds are available to help qualifying farmers; to learn how to apply visit your local Agriculture Extension Agent.
Kentucky Agricultural Development Board funds innovative proposals that increase net farm income and affect tobacco farmers, tobacco-impacted communities, and agriculture across the state by stimulating markets for Kentucky agricultural products, finding new ways to add value to Kentucky agricultural products, and exploring new opportunities for Kentucky farms.
KSU Small Scale Farm and Education Grants are available to help purchase up to $5,000 of equipment for small farmers in Kentucky. Contact Joni Nelson for more info at joni.nelson@kysu.edu or call 502-597-6831.
Additional resources
What to Consider When Marketing Meat (presentation and handouts from 2018 Marketing Locally Grown Meat Workshop)